How Deep is Your Love for Enter the Dru?
Revisit Dru Hill’s album, 'Enter the Dru,' which bridged the gap between traditional R&B and the new millennium. Learn how it became a staple in Def Jam's 1998 summer lineup.
Dru Hill didn’t just make waves in the city; they turned it into an R&B hub during the mid to late ‘90s. Their 1996 self-titled debut album laid the groundwork, and their subsequent album, Enter the Dru, only elevated their status. The group’s unique fashion sense and flawless four-part harmony didn’t just win over local fans; they also garnered widespread acclaim.
As the 2000s approached, R&B transformed, blending new, tech-driven sounds with traditional sampling. Warryn Campbell and Rick “Dutch” Cousin and Dru Hill’s own Tamir “Nokio” Ruffin were among the producers leading this change. They were responsible for the album’s lead single, “How Deep is Your Love,” which was also featured on the Rush Hour soundtrack by Def Jam Recordings. The track perfectly blended up-tempo hip-hop beats and Mark “Sisqó” Andrew’s powerful vocals, which paid homage to Baltimore’s bad-boy lover persona.
The group’s second single, “These Are the Times,” showcased their ability to adapt and evolve. It demonstrated that multiple members, including Larry “Jazz” Anthony Jr., could take the lead in vocals and still produce a hit. Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds penned and produced the song, adding another layer of industry credibility to the group’s growing reputation.
James “Woody” Green, often considered the more reserved group member, also had his moment in the spotlight. He was featured in an “Angel” interlude, which he co-wrote with Campbell. This interlude led into a song of the same name and contrasted the group’s often provocative themes. It was a heartfelt reflection on lost love, showing a different, softer facet of the group.
Dru Hill solidified their place in Baltimore’s music scene and the broader R&B genre by consistently delivering hits and showing versatility in their music and vocals. Their contributions during this period were not just trendsetting but also a reflection of the highs and lows of love in Baltimore.
Nokio’s influence on the LP is undeniable, contributing as a vocalist and a producer for nearly half of the album’s tracks. His collaborations with big names like DMX and Capone & Noreaga in subsequent years only added to his already impressive portfolio as a producer. The album’s core strength lies in its ability to transition seamlessly between different musical styles. From club hits like “This is What We Do” featuring Method Man to emotionally charged songs such as “One Good Reason,” the group demonstrates a wide range of musical talents. Lyrics like “Our love is like an hourglass, you know we’re running out of time” showcase the group’s ability to bring emotional depth to their songwriting.
Sisqó, the lead vocalist, became the group’s most recognizable member, partly thanks to his flamboyant style and frequent hair color changes. His solo album, Unleash the Dragon, released a year later, solidified his status among his era’s leading male pop stars. His vocals and charisma were crucial factors in Dru Hill’s success, making him one of the most memorable entertainers of his time.
Jazz, another member, gained recognition as a vocalist’s vocalist, although he never released a solo album through a major label. On the other hand, Woody made multiple attempts to establish himself in the Gospel genre but couldn’t recreate the group’s collective magic.
The album’s impact extended beyond the group itself, especially to their hometown of Baltimore. Enter the Dru rekindled the city’s musical legacy, including influences from Billie Holiday and 2Pac and making Baltimore’s unique style and accent famous. The group, hailing from “Charm City,” achieved chart-topping success and showcased the sensual aspects of their working-class city. While Enter the Dru’s unique blend of styles and influences couldn’t be replicated, it set the stage for the group to produce high-quality work in subsequent years. The album’s success paradoxically led the members to explore solo careers, each trying to carve out their niche in the music industry.